Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as powerful tools for weight loss, with several options now available on the market. These medications work by slowing digestion and decreasing appetite, which leads to less calories consumed. When choosing the best GLP-1 drug for weight loss, some things to consider include effectiveness, dosage formulation, frequency of administration, cost, and side effects.

Current FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs available on the market include:

• Byetta, Bydureon (exenatide)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide),
• Victoza, Saxenda, Xultophy (liraglutide)
• Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro, Zepbound (tirzepatide)

While all GLP-1 drugs can cause weight loss as a side effect, only Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound are FDA approved for this indication.

Who can use GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?

Healthcare providers may prescribe any of the GLP-1 drugs off-label for weight loss, but three GLP-1 drugs are approved by the FDA for weight management.

• Saxenda can be used in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition. It is also approved for children 12 years and older with a body weight above 60 kg and a BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m2 for adults.
• Wegovy can be used in adults and children 12 years and older with obesity, and adults with overweight and one weight-related health condition.
• Zepbound can be used in adults with obesity or adults with overweight and one weight-related health condition.

Which GLP-1 drug is most effective for weight loss?

Among the GLP-1 drugs currently available, tirzepatide and semaglutide stand out as the most effective for weight management. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis that included 53 studies lasting between 12 and 78 weeks and 21,349 patients found that compared with placebo, tirzepatide worked the best for weight loss. This was followed by semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and then exenatide. On average, patients taking tirzepatide lost about 8.5 kg (19 lbs). Those taking semaglutide lost about 3 kg (6.6 lbs).

How are GLP-1 drugs given?

GLP-1 drugs come in two main dosage forms: oral pills and subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. Those FDA approved for weight loss only come in the injection form.

• Bydureon comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a week.
• Byetta comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given twice a day.
• Mounjaro comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a week.
• Ozempic comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a week.
• Rybelsus comes as oral tablets that are taken by mouth once a day.
• Saxenda comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a day.
• Trulicity comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a week.
• Victoza comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a day.
• Wegovy comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a week.
• Zepbound comes as a subcutaneous injection that is given once a week.

Related questions

• Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
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Which GLP-1 drug causes more side effects?

GLP-1 drugs share many common side effects. Most side effects are stomach-related, and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These side effects are more likely to occur at the start of treatment or after a dose increase.

In a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that some GLP-1 drugs were more likely to cause diarrhea than others. The GLP-1 drugs that caused the most diarrhea were tirzepatide and semaglutide. Dulaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide caused less diarrhea than tirzepatide and semaglutide. Compared to placebo, all of the GLP-1 drugs caused more nausea and vomiting.

What is the cost of GLP-1 drugs?

The cost of GLP-1 drugs can depend on insurance coverage and manufacturer assistance programs. Below is a list of cash prices for a one-month supply of GLP-1 drugs:

• Bydureon 2 mg: $510.95
• Byetta 10 mcg/0.04 mL: $896.60
• Mounjaro 5 mg/0.5 mL: $1,136.53
• Ozempic 2 mg/3 mL (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose): $1,050.73
• Rybelsus 7 mg: $1,050.73
• Saxenda 18 mg/3 mL: $1,417.62
• Trulicity 1.5 mg/0.5 mL: $1,039.88
• Victoza 18 mg/3 mL: $576.67 (a generic version is also available for $442.97)
• Wegovy 1.7 mg/0.75 mL: $1,417.62
• Zepbound 10 mg/0.5 mL: $1,143.42

These prices are based on using the Drugs.com discount card. The cash price can vary based upon your insurance and what pharmacy you go to.

This is not all the information you need to know about GLP-1 drugs for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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